Spring Break Jeans
And a look at the new pieces I designed – coming soon.
Later this week, I’ll be launching JEANS, a capsule collection that I’ve been developing for nearly a year (since before I started this Substack, in fact). I am so excited to share a first look with you today. More to come – including the jean I’m dreaming of us wearing all summer long – in just a few days.
I spent Spring Break researching how to distress jeans (when the simple act of wearing them isn’t doing it fast enough), listening to ‘Cowboy Carter’ (thank you, Beyoncé, for writing my current anthem), and celebrating my son Walter’s 3rd Birthday at Disneyland. I took inventory, literal and metaphorical, counting jeans, jumpsuits, and all the most important things like my health and the completeness of my kids. I spent a ton of time with family and cooked not one but two Thomas Keller-style chickens. As for jeans, I wore vintage Orange Tab 509s and Alex Mill’s AM Originals, a men’s style that I opted to try because the women’s style I want is sold out in my size. I don’t regret a thing.
Alex Mill: The AM Original in Vintage Light Indigo
To wear Alex Mill’s signature men’s jean go two or three sizes up from your standard women’s jean size. The smallest size is a 28, which I’m wearing (the equivalent to a women’s 25). Prepare yourself: Off the body, a men’s jean looks noticeably different than a typical women’s jean. The rise and J-stitch are longer, the back yoke is wider, and the heft is…heftier. I left this jean on my desk for almost a month before trying it on, convinced it wouldn’t work. Then, at the beginning of Spring Break I gave it a shot and wore it straight for days.
Does it look sexy? Define sexy. I am so fantastically comfortable. The full coverage back rise and roomier, man-thigh-shaped legs accommodate all the mom moves provoked by wild toddlers. If I’d had more time last week I would have hemmed them. Although, surrendering to the general anti-fit of a men’s jean on me (like wearing a vintage 501, too, btw) is part of the appeal; adds to the attitude. Cuffing it, like Alex Mill’s own Alex Drexler and Somsack Sikhounmuong do here, looked too chunky. With a low-profile shoe (Vans), it’s fine. See?
Alex and his team were “exacting when it came to the wash,” he told me. It shows. To those who ask me for a jean that’s like a vintage 505, but new, I’d recommend the AM Original in this color. It gets pretty close.
A few things on The RealReal to consider: This pair of Junya Watanabe patched jeans (size 31), and this straight leg selvedge (waist size 33; the wash!). Denim shirts from Bottega Veneta (size IT40) and Celine (size M). If this was my size I’d buy it this instant. Khaite fans will appreciate this jacket (size M) in pristine condition.
The kids are back at school today and I’m so relieved and also missing them madly. It’s nice to be working, I love what I do, so thank you for reading, shopping, sharing, commenting, and subscribing at any level. Your support, as always, is everything.
Jane
More to read…
Men’s Jeans: According to me and some really cool men.
How do I order this adorable sweatshirt??? Love it!
Congratulations Jane! So excited!!! Can’t wait to see (wear) more! Xo